Ask, Not Tell

• Course: A facilitation skills course for line trainers
• Date: 29 Mar 08
• Location: Shanghai, China
• # of Learners: 5
• I am feeling: OK

9 were enrolled into the class but only 5 showed up. Poor attendance Read more

I want to step back a bit to discuss the benefits of using business simulation before talking about what trainer quality is required. Let me throw a specific question to myself here – ‘What business simulation can offer as compared to other training method?’

Learning by doing – By doing rather than being lectured, people can better retain the memory, comprehend the concepts and apply the skills. Like learning to play soccer, Read more

I was invited by a friend to try out a business simulation training last week in Shanghai. I have done quite a few simulation activities before e.g. when I was a management trainee, a MBA student. However, I find the experience last week very different. And the followings are how it is different:

• Board Game – First, this simulation is a board game Read more

In my previous post on ‘Presenter vs Trainer vs Facilitator’, I discussed about the difference between these 3 roles. I want to zoom in more between Trainer and Facilitator. As mentioned in the last post, trainer should also perform the role of facilitator in the class sometimes, instead of just uni-directional delivery. But the next question is Read more

It is now the 1st break time on Day 1. Learners rush out to enjoy their break and you now some quiet time. You probably want to reflect a bit on the progress. The natural question to ask yourself is whether I have delivered as planned. Specifically, you may check whether you have covered the content in the facilitator guide e.g. activities, debrief or just lectures.

But strictly speaking this is WRONG! Read more

Underlying Problem – You are running an in-company product briefing. You want some interaction to engage the audience. You plan to do it by asking a few questions. However, one after another, the response is lukewarm – most audience just keep their heads down as you post the questions. The above situation is especially common in Asia as we tend to be reserved in public. Read more